Mediating Role of Social Problem-Solving on the Relationship between Autistic Traits and Depression in a Non-Clinical Iranian Sample

Zahra  Salehzadeh Einadab; Mahshid  Mojtahedzadeh; Elaheh  Khalili; Barbara Dristchel; Bijan  Pirnia

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i10.10993

Zahra Salehzadeh Einadab Clinical Psychology Department, Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Mahshid Mojtahedzadeh Clinical Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Karaj, Iran
Elaheh Khalili Clinical Psychology Department, Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Barbara Dristchel School of Psychology & Neuroscience, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
Bijan Pirnia Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University od Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i10.10993

Keywords: Social problem-solving; Autistic traits; Depression

Abstract

Background: Research on the role of social problem-solving in the relationship between autistic traits and depression is still in its nascent stageand more detailed research is required.

Methods: We aimed to investigate the mediating role of problem-solving in the relationship between autistic traits and depression. A sample of 376 university students were assessed on depression, problem-solving and autism-spectrum quotient in 2019 at Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

Results: Social problem-solving played the role of a partial mediator in the relationship between autistic traits and depression. Positive problem orientation and negative problem-solving style fully mediated the effects of autistic traits on depression.

Conclusion: Since people with autistic traits have deficits in problem-solving strategies, they may be vulnerable to symptoms of depression. Increasing the ability of positive problem-solving and decreasing negative problem orientation may serve as a buffer against depression in people with autistic traits.